Andrew Morford’s case highlights not just the shocking failures of the gambling company, Betfair, but also those of the Gambling Commission itself. Here are some of the facts: 👉Andrew was allowed to lose funds exceeding £600,000 despite a previous self-exclusion. 👉When Betfair closed Andrew’s account, he gambled under his father’s name. The safer gambling team at Betfair flagged this might be happening in March 2023 but he was still allowed to gamble until January 2024. He deposited over £500,000 in that period. 👉Andrew had only one safer gambling phone call in three years, from September 2020 to September 2023, a period where he lost over £400,000. 👉Minimal and inadequate source of funds checks were implemented despite the huge amounts being gambled. 👉Betfair had labelled the account as an “exchange expert/confirmed shrewd” despite losses of over £600k. 👉Andrew reported the incident to the Gambling Commission in November 2024 and gave them the details of the investigating police officer in April 2025. Nine months later, the Commission still hasn’t contacted that officer, despite several requests. 👉Betfair was fined for serious failures in 2025 but Andrew has not been told if the failures relating to his case were part of the regulatory action. GamLEARN has supported over 50 cases almost identical to Andrew’s, many are still ongoing. They follow a pattern: someone with a gambling addiction is allowed to gamble huge amounts, they turn to crime when their own funds run dry, the gambling company lets them gamble the money and then keeps the proceeds of crime leaving innocent families to be chased for the funds. The Gambling Commission rarely takes action. We are willing to engage with the Gambling Commission on cases like this and help victims of crime recover money from gambling firms, but we are routinely ignored by the regulator and operators. Betfair, as far as we know, has not returned any of the proceeds of crime to the victims in this case. So far, despite many requests, they’ve kept the lot. @GamRegGB @DCMS @hmtreasury @MoJGovUK @JamesTCobbler @lisanandy @fionatwycross theguardian.com/society/2026…

We’re pleased to share that @LGBTSwitchboard Recover with Pride Group Coaching Programme is launching this month. We encourage any of our members who identify as LGBTQ+ and may benefit from additional gambling support to find out more. The programme offers both 1:1 and group coaching, with sessions beginning the week commencing 26 October. Find out more and register: switchboard.org.uk/service/r… Please share with anyone in your networks who may benefit.

Today, on Suicide Prevention Day, we’re highlighting the connection between gambling-related harms and suicide. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story. Gambling-related harm can have devastating impacts on mental health. Talking openly, recognising the signs and knowing where to turn for support can save lives. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #GamblingHarms #SuicidePrevention #GamLEARN #GamblingAwareness

It was a pleasure to deliver Gambling Harm Awareness training to the team at developmentplus in Lincoln. The session delivered by @TracyOshaughne9 explored the impact of gambling-related harm on individuals, families and communities. The session focused on helping staff to recognise the signs of harm, understand available support pathways, and build confidence in having supportive conversations. developmentplus provides hope, encouragement and support through community based projects by working alongside people across Lincolnshire to build confidence, improve wellbeing, develop skills and create opportunities. Find out more about their work here: developmentplus.org.uk/

England are playing today ⚽️ but for many people, major football tournaments can be one of the hardest times of the year. With gambling advertising increasing around football, betting messages can feel impossible to avoid. Today's match may be especially challenging if you're experiencing gambling harm or are affected by someone else's gambling. If you or someone you know needs support, we've attached our leaflet with organisations and resources that can help. You can also contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or, if you're struggling to cope or need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.

Have Your Say on Gambling Harms 🗣️ @MindinHaringey The North London Tackling Gambling Harms Coalition is looking for adults (18+) with lived experience of gambling harms, or who have been affected by someone else’s gambling, to help shape local support services. 📍 For residents, workers, or those with a strong connection to Barnet, Enfield, Camden, Haringey or Islington 💷 Paid involvement at London Living Wage (£14.80 per hour) 🕒 Around 2 hours per month, plus preparation time 📅 Application deadline: 10 July 2026, 12pm Please not all enquiries and applications are to go through the contact details advertised, not us. For more information visit: mindinharingey.org.uk/our-se… #GamblingHarms #LivedExperience #CommunityVoices #NorthLondon #GamblingSupport

We are incredibly grateful to @WestonFdn for supporting GamLEARN for a second year. Their generous grant will help us to continue supporting people affected by gambling harm and ensure lived experience remains at the heart of recovery, research and change. Thank you for your continued belief in our work and for helping us make a meaningful difference.

We’re pleased to be taking part in @LGBTSwitchboard Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard’s Recovery with Pride Lunch & Learn on 18 June. The session, Removing Barriers to Support for LGBTQ+ People, will explore the challenges LGBTQ+ communities can face when accessing support and how services can become more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible. We believe in safer, more inclusive support services for all. Our CJS Training and Impacted Others Lead, Tracy, will be joining the panel to share her lived experience and the work we do at GamLEARN. eventbrite.co.uk/e/switchboa…

A wonderful few days at the Current Advances in Gambling Research summit last week. Some incredible research is taking place around gambling harms and recovery and it was wonderful to hear from so many insightful panels. It was also a great experience for our members to connect with others with lived experience. Overall a fantastic few days. We look forward to next year! #cagr2026 #currentadvancesingamblingresearch

We are thrilled to be attending the Current Advances in Gambling Research conference in Helsinki. So many insightful panels and it’s been great to connect with other charities, researchers and those with lived experience. A great opportunity for our members to connect and share experiences. @CAGRconference #CAGR2026 #CAGR

Now that both the OHID and NHS levy decisions have been announced we wanted to share that we were not successful on this occasion. Whilst this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, we’d like to congratulate those who were successful in securing funding. Our commitment hasn’t changed. We will continue supporting people in recovery and those within the criminal justice system and remain focused on the work ahead. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand alongside us.

GamLEARN are grateful to have been invited to attend the Symposium on Reducing Gambling Harms today. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and perspective as a charity supporting people facing these harms daily.

At GamLEARN we not only support people affected by gambling harm within the CJS but those around them too. Learn more via our CJS page on our website (link in bio). The more we talk the more we reduce stigma. #gamblingaddiction #gamblingrecovery

GamLEARN’s new website is live. A refreshed look, built for what’s next. Thanks to Digital Craft for bringing the vision to life! This launch is just the beginning. We’re currently developing new services that will be introduced soon, as GamLEARN continues to evolve!

GamLEARN are excited to be at the @Clinks_Tweets Conference today. We’re looking forward to listening to important panel discussions around our prison system and a live podcast recording of The Secret Life of Prisons.

We are grateful to those we have supported this year for your trust. To our staff, advisory panel, members, and partners, thank you for believing in what we do. Have a safe, peaceful festive period. #gamblingharm #gamblingsupport